Lost Biometric Residence Permit (BRP Card): Here is what you should do if you are inside or outside of UK

worldnrinews January 9, 2018

By A Staff Reporter

LONDON Nov 30: A Biometric Residence Permit ( BRP ) in the UK is used to confirm your: identity; right to study; right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to. A BRP card holds a customer’s biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints), and shows their immigration status and entitlements while they remain in the UK.

There are instances one may lose it accidentally or get stolen or misplaced. A few things you have to done immediately are as below. Follow the guidelines and link below for detailed instructions.

Things to do:
Report loss of BRP (Detailed Guidance Below)
Report loss of BRP to Police and obtain reference number
If you lost Indian Passport, report to police and obtain reference number
Apply Replacement BRP (How to apply details below)
If you lost Indian Passport, apply for replacement (Click for Details)

1. Report a lost or stolen card (If your card has been lost or stolen)
Email BRCLost@homeoffice.gov.uk immediately if your residence card has been lost or stolen. You must include:
your full name, date of birth and nationality
your contact details
your passport number
your residence card reference number
your police case reference number
when, where and how the loss or theft occurred

You must contact the police to report the loss or theft and get a police case reference number.

If your BRP card is damaged
Report a damaged residence card to BRCError@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Include the following in your email:

your full name, date of birth and nationality
your contact details
your passport number
your residence card reference number
what the damage is
You can also send this information by post.

Returns Unit PO Box 195 Bristol BS20 1BT

If you’ve found someone else’s lost or stolen residence card
If you’re in the UK, post the residence card to the Home Office using an envelope without a window.

Returns Unit PO Box 195 Bristol BS20 1BT

Do not send any other items or documents with the residence card – they’ll be destroyed. If you’re outside the UK, hand the card in to the police or to the nearest British embassy or consulate.

Apply for Replacement residence cards
You need to replace your UK residence card if you plan to travel abroad and return to the UK and all of the following apply:

You would usually need a visa to travel to the UK but you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
You’ve reported your UK residence card as lost or stolen, or it’s expired
You’re in the UK when you apply for a replacement residence card
If you’re outside the UK when your card needs replacing, you need to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to return to the UK. You can apply for a replacement residence card when you’re in the UK.

You may need to show your replacement UK residence card or EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to your transport provider or at the UK border.

How to apply
You must apply from inside the UK.

It costs £56 to replace a lost or stolen UK residence card. You do not need to pay this fee if you’re replacing an expired card.

You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric information). You might need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to do this.

Click To Apply for Replacement BRP Card

If you’re outside the UK
Click Here To report your lost or stolen BRP outside the UK

You cannot apply for a replacement BRP outside the UK. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a ‘replacement BRP visa’, which lets you re-enter the UK once only. It costs £154.

You can apply for a replacement BRP when you return to the UK. You must do this within 3 months of reporting it lost or stolen unless you have a good reason, for example you were unable to return to the UK in that time.

If you’ve been away for over 2 years and you’ve lost your documentation proving your right to live in the UK, you can apply for a Returning Resident visa.

If your passport has expired
You cannot transfer your card to a new passport.

You can still use your existing card if it’s valid, but when you travel you must also show both:

your new passport
your old passport

Report a change of circumstances if you have a visa or BRP

You must report any changes in your circumstances if you’re in the UK and have either:
got a biometric residence permit (BRP)
applied for a BRP but have not had a decision yet
How you do this depends on what you’re reporting.

Click Here to Know More Details on reporting change of circumstances

Read the guidance about biometric residence permits if you’re applying from:

Inside the UK
Outside the UK